"Dr Air" compressors. Any experience?

Submitted: Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 16:13
ThreadID: 20040 Views:5555 Replies:7 FollowUps:2
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Hi all,

Has anyone had any experience with the "Dr Air" (also known as Thunder I think) 12v air compressors. The one I looked at is model AC400 at under $100

I am looking at one for occasional use after an on-vehicle tyre repair.
It claims to inflate a 16" tyre from flat to 32psi in 6 minutes and deliver 50 litres/min (free air I assume). I suspect it will only do one tyre before having to cool down as it has no fan. If it will do that reliably it will do me for now.

Phil I

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Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 16:19

Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 16:19
Doesnt sound like it pumps fast, but hey if your happy thats all that matters.

Some of the cheaper ones have plastic pistons which wont last poo with heat.

I would go for one with a fan for the reason of lasting a decent length of time.. if it gets hot too often, it will die.

Pay a little more - do a lot more.
AnswerID: 96262

Reply By: Member - Jeff M (WA) - Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 16:26

Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 16:26
I went through two of those "Hurricane" style compressors in 6 months. They just could not cope. After one tyre it was red hot, would take 15 minutes to cool down and so on. If you kept using it it melted.

16" tyre to 32psi in 6 minutes. That's pretty crap. Does it say anything else about the tyre? Width, Height etc?? Could be a RAV for tyre, the use a 16" Rim....

The Blue tounge IV will do a 15" 10R Bridgstone DD from 16 to 32psi in 2 minutes flat all day long in 40degree heat. Obviously more expensive but just for an idea as to what the higher end of the market are doing for a comparison.

I reckon for a cheap emergancy style unit I would get one of those Kmart "Truck Air" compressors, they are also crap but have a fan and are about $70 I think. I had one and altough it was slow it never missed a beat. Only thing is though, chop off the cigarette lighter plug and put battery clips on it. It'll work fast and won't burn out your lighter plugs.
AnswerID: 96264

Follow Up By: Member - Davoe (WA) - Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 16:35

Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 16:35
I agree except I paid about $100 for my truck air 4 and 1/2 years ago (kalgoorlie prices). air cooled and will run for 80 min at least no worries. Performance can be enhanced by cutting off cig lighter and installing battery clips. These are a good quility cheapy and will last and keep on doing the job though slowly wouldnt recomend anything else for those not prepared to lay out the $400 +for a quality unit. like you suggest dont believe the BS on the box - if you want your tyre pumped up quick $$$
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FollowupID: 355039

Reply By: rb30s - Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 16:48

Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 16:48
Phil

If your budget is under $100, go to BIG W. They have a 72LPM(free air) compressor called Flowmax HFC7201, that will pump a 4wd tyre up in about 4 minutes. They have a .25 HP motor and will do several tyres before needing a rest. They have a .25 HP motor and come with a 1 year warrantee. There are better pumps out there... but if you want good material value for money, they are only $90 and are perfect for occasional use.

Adrian
AnswerID: 96267

Follow Up By: rb30s - Thursday, Feb 03, 2005 at 16:04

Thursday, Feb 03, 2005 at 16:04
Phil,

I also have a Truck Air Pump. It was my 1st pump and has never stopped. I used it for 4 years. However, I believe the one from BIG W is much better and deffinently pumps much faster.

Adrian
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FollowupID: 355187

Reply By: Member - Sand Man (SA) - Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 16:52

Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 16:52
Phil,

Another thing to consider is the reseating of bead should tyre come off the rim.
Chances are the cheaper compressors would not have sufficient grunt to "pop" the bead. Guess it depends on your overall needs hey!
Bill


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AnswerID: 96268

Reply By: Member - Royce- Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 18:06

Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 18:06
Got one. Us it often. ... but I haven't really needed it for serious inflation.... on a low budget worth having.... but I hope to upgrade.... IF I CAN STOP SPENDING on other stuff...... see post elsewhere!!
AnswerID: 96288

Reply By: Bruiser - Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 18:11

Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 18:11
Phil brought one too pump up pollyair springs works ok for this had the need to pump 205/75/16tyres from 25psi to40psi it got 1 to 35 psi before thermal overload cutout cut in restart after acouple of minutes it would only run for about 30 seconds taking it back to dealer who assured me it would pump up atleast 1tyre before cutting out
AnswerID: 96291

Reply By: D-Jack - Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 19:50

Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005 at 19:50
I can vouch for the Truck Air that has already been mentioned. Only reason I got a Blue Tongue was the hose started to deteriorate (after about 5 years) and wanted one mounted under the front seat. They are a good unit. I used to inflate 4 x 31/10.5R15LT Desert Duelers from 15 to 38 psi (Highway pressure) and it took all up about 20 minutes if I remember correctly. Never cut out (except when I blew a fuse once). Go the alligator clips straight onto the battery and run the engine. Don't know about anything else in this price range but the Truck Air will do the job you're talking about. I've seen them for $50 on special but are about $70 normal price at discount auto marts.

D-Jack
AnswerID: 96305

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